They lost two Big 12 games -- to Baylor and Oklahoma -- and an early non-conference game against Central Michigan. However, the Central Michigan loss in early September came with quite a bit of controversy.

On what should have the game's final play, quarterback Mason Rudolph heaved a pass downfield and out of bounds to ensure that the game clock would expire. The referees, however, ruled that the pass as an intentional grounding and awarded Central Michigan an untimed final play with the ball at the Chippewas' 49 yard line.

The referees later admitted they awarded the Chippewas by mistake, meaning the game should have ended with Rudolph's incomplete pass. Coach Mike Gundy later issued a statement about the loss, blaming his play call at the end of the game.

While Oklahoma State technically finished the 2016 season with a 10-3 record, capped off by a dominant 38-8 victory against Colorado in the Alamo Bowl, the Cowboys' rings will forever read 11-2, essentially negating the referees' mistake.